A group of local investors have petitioned Investment minister Evelyn
Anite, accusing some officials in Mukono District of blocking a $15
million (Shs53.3b) tourism project.
Ms Anite said the investors led
by proprietors of Paradise and Wildness Resort, petitioned her office
last week, complaining about lack of cooperation from district
officials.
They singled out the district engineer, Mr Herbert
Lutwama, labelling him “a stumbling block” in the planned multi-billion
eco-tourism investment project in Makusu Island, Mpatta Sub-county.
“Can
you imagine investors are begging one of the district officials in
Mukono to approve their plans for a major tourism project that is going
to create hundreds of jobs for our people,” Ms Anite wondered.
“This
is unacceptable. If there are any issues in the submitted plans, let
those matters be resolved without any delays. Investments must be
approved without delays. How can we achieve the middle income status
when some people are busy blocking investments?” she added.
Eco-tourism
caters for tourists who wish to invest in the natural environment
without damaging its habitat. The petitioners sought to increase
wildlife in the country and attract more investors. They also wanted to
establish a resort that will employ 1,200 people, including wild life
scouts, chefs, housekeepers, guides, gardeners, life-savers,
instructors, and security teams.
Mr Monde Kimbugwe, the chairperson
for the land committee in Mpatta Sub-county, said: “We don’t want to
miss out on such projects because they lead to improved infrastructure,
electricity connections and mushroom businesses.”
When contacted, Mr Lutwama denied the accusations raised against him.
“We
have not refused to approve the project but we want the right things
to be done and the projects must comply with the Building Act of 2013,
with National Environment Management Authority Act 2019, Regulations of
2020 and in compliance with Physical Planning Act 2010,” he said.
The engineer also accused the applicants of planning to construct permanent structures in the lake.
Ms
Anite said she would request Uganda Investment Authority to work with
the Ministry of Local Government and the authorities in Mukono District
to have the matter resolved.
“We have not refused to approve
the project but we want the right things to be done and the projects
must comply with the Building Act of 2013, National Environment
Management Authority Act 2019, Regulations of 2020 and in compliance
with Physical Planning Act 2010,” Mr Herbert Lutwama, Mukono District
engineer
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